$50,000 BONUS FOR THROAT SLITTING

Al Qaeda is unhappy with Swedish artist Lars Vilks's drawing of a dog with Mohammed's head:

"We call for the liquidation of the cartoonist Lars who offended our prophet," said the statement issued in the name of the group's leader Sheikh Abu Omar al-Baghdadi.

"We announce a reward of $100,000 to anyone who kills this infidel criminal. This reward will be raised to $150,000 if his throat is slit," said the statement whose authenticity could not be verified.

Also on offer is a $50,000 reward for the murder of the editor of the newspaper that published the cartoon. A number of Swedish firms face unspecified threats.

Jeez, this al-Baghdadi guy has no sense of humour.